when the time comes to say goodbye old friend, you ruffle his fur and hug him close...open the door and call his name, walk into the yard with a heavy heart open the car door and help him in...the slow drive to the vet, your best friend beside you, not too sure of the where or why, but trusting you as he has done a thousand times before...
the vet says "don't worry, he won't feel a thing" (and deep inside a voice says "but will i? do you have something for the lump in my chest?) a small needle disappears under the thick black fur, a small shudder and your friend looks at you as if to say "hey! you brought me here for this?"
you stroke him, say "i'm sorry" and tears roll down your cheeks as he falls asleep...
his pain ends as yours begins....